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I want to create sort of a power control center for a stack of cages. My plan is to build a riser box that would go under the stack of three cages to get the bottom one off the ground. I want to have receptacles in the back where I can plug all the cage lights into. Additionally I want each reveptacle to be controled by a dimmer. Lastly I want to have one plug from the power box into the wall to provide power for all teh cages.
Basically I want to build a power strip.
My question is what wire must I use for the main power wire. I assume regular wire like that used in extention cords would work well for all the other connections, but I am not sure if it would be enough for the main power wire as in a power strip the wire is fairly thick. Would I possibly be able to cut a power strip and use that?
I am not so clear on the right way to go about this and I am not going to attempt it if I am not sure I wont start a fire.

Thank in advance.
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- Jason F.

I would buy a commercial or contractor grade extension cord, something with 10 or 12 gauge wire. They can handle 20Amps or less, anything more and you will exceed most breakers.

I use solid wire for all my electrical work a 50' roll is about $7 an lasts awhile, not to mention it comes in a lot of colors.

Send me an email and I can be more specific to your needs.
Jeremy

Is this something similiar to what you want?

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Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

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